Workshop on Important Arthropod Pests of the Caribbean Basin Amenable to Biological Control: Homoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera: Techniques for Evaluation of Predators of Homoptera

John J. Obrycki

Abstract

The experimental evaluation of predation in biological control can be difficult, but is necessary to determine the impact of predators on pest population dynamics. These evaluative techniques document the role of existing predators, quantify the impact of previous releases, and also identify pest life stages or seasonal periods that may be targeted for additional releases. An overview of evaluation methods appropriate for Caribbean Basin biological control programs for Homopteran pests is presented. Several examples of interactions between predators and other types of natural enemies are discussed to provide a basis for interpretation of results from an evaluation study.